On Sunday Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy welcomed Pak Nam Pran Academy for an afternoon of football. The visitors brought over 50 children and coaches to Black Mountain for five matches followed by an evening at the water park.

The Black Mountain Hua Hin Football Academy had Under 8, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 15 teams in action against the visiting team. Representing BMHHFA were players aged 5-57 with head coach Gary Stevens making a surprise appearance for the parents & coaches team.

For many of the BMHHFA players in the Under 8 side it was a first ever experience of competitive football. The youngest player was just 5 years old but everyone enjoyed the match and the 5-7 year old players will be back in action at the SPS Mini League V next month.

At the opposite end of the age spectrum was the parents and coaches team. BMHHFA co-owner and head coach Gary Stevens was watching from the sidelines but, when a couple of players limped off injured, the former England and Tottenham defender volunteered to fill in.

It wasn’t the biggest crowd the 1984 UEFA Cup Final winner had ever played in front of but he enjoyed the whole experience,

“I haven’t played football in decades and wasn’t planning on making a comeback this weekend so it was a bit of a surprise. My playing days are behind me but these youngsters have a bright future and it’s fantastic to see so many children and their families coming together to enjoy the game of football,” he said.

It promises to be a busy few weeks of football in Hua Hin with the SPS Mini League IV (Under 11) set for September 29th and the SPS Mini League V (Under 7) set for October 6th.